Knitting Button Holes
For a long time, I avoided any project with buttons holes for one reason: I could not make them neat. As hard as I tried buttonholes always threw off my projects. I could spend hours knitting something perfectly but when it came down to the buttonholes, it ruined the whole piece. Happily, I was not alone in my dislike for buttonholes and they have come a long way since I began knitting. Let me share with you some of my favorite methods to create great looking and hard working button holes.
When I pick up a button band or I need to knit horizontal buttonholes into a project, I go with this method. It is fast, easy and secure. The finished look is very clean and symmetrical. I love that it is all done in one row since I have a past of forgetting to cast back on for 2 row button holes and so I spend lots of time unknitting. One Row button hole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY4vBzLo-Xs.
Amy, from Knittinghelp.com has helped me through many issues with her helpful videos and no less so with this one. She recommends you write down the instructions but I have found a printable version here http://www.knittingdaily.com/glossary/one-row-buttonhole.aspx
Above is a 4 st One Row Buttonhole that is sturdy
enough for my homemade toggle buttons.
Eunny Lang, editor at Interweave Knits, demonstrates a more precise and slightly complicated (involving more tools than the above method) One Row Buttonhole here. I would recommend this buttonhole method when working with fine yarn, lace or when you need an absolute perfect buttonhole. This is the Rolls Royce of buttonholes, only to be trotted out when you need to show some pomp and splendor. For every day, the previous One Row Buttonhole version is your best bet. http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2010/05/31/a-better-buttonhole.aspx
Now, sometimes a knitter needs a vertical buttonhole and horizontal will not do. In that case try JeshKnits pictorial tutorial. Her pictures are crisp and clear and show you from just the right angle how to go about achieving a great vertical buttonhole. I love these for sleeve bands and cowls. Vertical Buttonholes: http://jeshknits.wordpress.com/2010/01/06/vertical-buttonholes-a-tutorial/
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